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The nation was warned not to “squander the gains” made against the coronavirus ahead of further easing of the blockade to allow greater freedoms abroad.
NHS England National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said Covid-19 still has the ability to “wreak more havoc and health problems on a significant scale,” citing concerns about new variants.
He issued the warning before groups of up to six, or two households, could socialize in parks and gardens once again when outdoor sports facilities reopen and the stay-at-home order ends in England on Monday.
Earlier, Boris Johnson said he is wary of the prospect of rising coronavirus infection rates, but sees “absolutely nothing in the data” to stop the lockdown easing.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that cases could escalate again as restrictions are relaxed, but said the “key difference” this time is that the increase in prevalence should be “sufficiently mitigated” by the successful launch of the vaccine.
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Professor Powis said the outlook “looks immensely brighter and more positive,” but said easing “doesn’t mean work done.”
“We have made enormous progress in which we must build on and not waste the achievements we have made,” he wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.
“We have to keep our nerves and drive towards the line, so that everyone can return safely and soon to our normal lives.”
Meanwhile, the UK planned to deliver 3.7 million hits to Ireland, in part to help ease lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland, according to the Sunday Times.
It would be the first time Britain has exported blows to the EU and the newspaper reported that a cabinet minister said it would be a “hit in the eye” for Brussels amid a dispute over supplies.
The arrival of Moderna vaccines in the UK was expected in spring, but the Mail on Sunday reported that the first 500,000 doses will arrive imminently in a push for launch.
During a discussion at the Conservatives’ spring virtual forum on Saturday, the prime minister said a “third wave” is being witnessed in some parts of Europe and that “bitter experience” has taught him that this could affect the UK. “three weeks later”.
But he added: “There is a lot of promising evidence that many people who might be vulnerable are now protected against death and serious illness, that’s my hope, my hunch.”
Johnson remained optimistic that his roadmap to ease England’s restrictions may continue, saying there is a “good chance” of allowing non-essential retailers to reopen on April 12, when hairdressers are also slated to reopen.
“In just a few days, I will finally be able to go to the hairdresser,” he said in a subsequent speech.
“But more important than that, I am going to be able to go down the street and cautiously, but irreversibly, I am going to have a pint of beer in the pub.
“And as it stands, I see absolutely nothing in the data that would deter me from continuing on our roadmap to freedom, unlocking our economy, and getting back to the life we love.”
Daily Confirmed Cases of Covid-19 in the UK / PA Graphics
Government data through Friday showed 29,727,435 people in the UK took a first hit, up from 411,305 the day before.
The government said 58 other people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Saturday, bringing the UK total to 126,573.
In Wales, lockdown restrictions were relaxed when the requirement to ‘stay local’ was lifted on Saturday and people were allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation.
England’s lockdown will be relaxed on Monday when the “stay home” order ends and groups of up to six people, or two households, can meet outside.
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